Does it matter that the metal ring on the clam cleat broke?

[artificialname]

I have an HQ4 One bar.

The flag out line run goes through a metal ring, and the ring is attached to the clam cleat. My metal ring has broken -

1) is the kite safe to fly without the metal ring?
2) what is the purpose of the metal ring?

For reference: I have included pictures of an HQ4 and Flysurfer clam cleat with the metal ring circled in green

[BillyGoatGruff]

The metal ring is a guiding ring, it stops the safety line sagging and flapping around, it also helps the rope run smoother through the chicken loop, so yes replace. Remove the broken ring and replace with a similar diameter stainless steel ring, it looks like you just need to undo the main centre line (grey dyneema line), should be a 5min job to replace (that's based on the lower picture you posted).

[iriejohn]

I have Ozone bars with the same cleat and have never used a ring to guide the safety line bungee. You don't need the ring, but as BillyGoatGruff says, it's easy to replace - any stainless ring will do.

[sarc]

If you don't replace the ring, it is possible for the safety line to cross over the cleat and under the depower line and become completely jammed in the cleat making the kite impossible to release. Can be dangerous. If it happens you just need to tug on the depower to slide the release line out (happened to me a few times) but if you are not aware and need to release to safety (e.g. landing etc.), you'll be stuck with a kite that cannot release. Better spend a couple of bucks and replace the ring (personally I just use a 1cm loop of poly rope instead of metal ring, it works for me)

[artificialname]

If you don't replace the ring, it is possible for the safety line to cross over the cleat and under the depower line and become completely jammed in the cleat making the kite impossible to release. Can be dangerous. If it happens you just need to tug on the depower to slide the release line out (happened to me a few times) but if you are not aware and need to release to safety (e.g. landing etc.), you'll be stuck with a kite that cannot release. Better spend a couple of bucks and replace the ring (personally I just use a 1cm loop of poly rope instead of metal ring, it works for me)

You're a genius. thank you. I can definitely see the risk of a kite that doesn't release.

[edt]

Fix it. Like sarc said above sooner or later your safety will catch in the cleat and if you don't notice it you'll have to full release if anything goes wrong.